Market opens strongly

Despite soft leads from the US, the market is experiencing greener pastures in early trading.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This morning the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) (Index: ^AXJO) is trading around 40 points stronger at 5,176 thanks to strong PMI data out of China.

The official PMI index rose to 51.0 last month, ahead of July figures of 50.3 and expectations of 50.6. The numbers appear to have offset the losses experienced in the US as a result of the government's possible intervention in Syria, although those fears are starting to ease.

Despite strong gains from most of S&P/ASX 20 (ASX: XTL), BHP (ASX: BHP) is slightly lower at $35.73 despite trading ex-dividend. Fellow miner Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) is up 1.99% at $59.46.

The big banks are higher with ANZ (ASX: ANZ) and Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) up around 0.77%. Telstra (ASX: TLS) and the two big supermarkets are trading higher between 0.8%-1.6%.

In the broader index, Billabong (ASX: BBG) is a stand-out performer, up 13% on the back of a company update whilst Gindalbie Metals (ASX: GBG) is down 6.7%.

Interested in our #1 dividend-paying stock? Discover The Motley Fool's favourite income idea for 2013-2014 in our brand-new, FREE research report, including a full investment analysis! Simply click here for your FREE copy of "The Motley Fool's Top Dividend Stock for 2013-2014."

More reading


Motley Fool contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any of the mentioned companies. 

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »